Liverpool were eliminated from the Champions League at the quarter-final stage after losing 2-0 to Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield, completing a 4-0 aggregate defeat. Ousmane Dembélé scored twice in the second half to secure the victory for the French side, who will now face either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the semi-finals.
Despite a spirited performance, Liverpool could not overcome the deficit from the first leg. Arne Slot’s side had a penalty appeal turned down early in the second half, which would have changed the course of the match. Slot later described it as a clear penalty, saying that if Liverpool had scored, the game would have been completely different.
Dembélé broke the deadlock in the 71st minute, combining with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Bradley Barcola before curling a precise shot into the corner. He added a second in stoppage time, capitalising on a cross from Barcola to finish with authority. The goals highlighted PSG’s clinical edge, having already dominated the first leg.
Liverpool showed promise with young talent like Rio Ngumoha, who forced a smart save from goalkeeper Matvey Safonov. However, the visitors’ defence held firm, with Marquinhos making a crucial intervention to deny Curtis Jones. The Merseyside club could not find the net, extending their frustrating European campaign.
Manager Arne Slot also expressed concern over Hugo Ekitike’s injury, describing it as potentially serious with the World Cup approaching. PSG’s victory was built on a youthful squad, with their starting XI containing only one player over 28, underscoring their long-term project.
